Syria isn't interested in peace

Bashar al-Assad, Syria's president for life, oversees a country with an economy in shambles, nonexistent infrastructure and a corrupt government that allows no dissent, uses threats, beatings, prison, torture and death and rules Lebanon through a puppet regime. Assad has no desire for peace with Israel. He maintains control by telling his people they are at war with Israel and the U.S. and there can be no change in the way the country is run until the war is won.

Assad has failed to follow through on any promises made in negotiations with this country and Europe. His methodogy involves delay, bluster, accusations and demands that cannot be met. Syria allows terrorist organizations, including al Qaeda, to have offices in Damascus.

Syria supplies arms to Hezbollah, Hamas and other terrorist organizations. In the same Oct. 27 issue in which Trudy Rubin's op-ed "U.S. must encourage Israel-Syria peace" appeared, it was reported that most terrorists entering Iraq are coming through the porous Syrian border with Syria's approval. It isn't in Assad's interest to make peace with Israel, for then he would have no reason to continue his dictatorship.